Tips for Bosses

In 1996 a former student of mine, Mr. Babu Cherin wrote this list of "10 Ways to be an Effective Boss":
1. Get to know your people.
2. Provide timely training.
3. Set measurable performance standards.
4. Be open-minded.
5. Provide information about business goals.
6. Give credit for good work.
7. Delegate authority.
8. Be accessible to consult.
9. Spend a buck.
10. Pay for performance.
He captured great advice that I refer to frequently. Coming across this list reminded me of four others to share with you.

A retired colleague of mine, Mr. Ted Findlay of Orlando, Florida, cites these "10 Job Responsibilities" for every employee, regardless of job description:
1. Be on time.
2. Be there.
3. Act like a professional.
4. Be productive.
5. Produce quality work.
6. Meet deadlines.
7. Communicate well.
8. Learn more.
9. Control expense.
10. Be safety-minded.
Even the president of the company is evaluated by employees on these responsibilities! Keep them in front of you as a daily reminder of factors that influence others’ perceptions of your work.

I confess I do not remember where this list of "7 Job Stressors" originated. Nonetheless, bosses must be aware of these situations and symptoms to be effective in leading, managing, and supervising others.
1. Unclear directions
2. Conflicting demands or values
3. Too much or too little time
4. Techno-stress
5. Hopeless problems
6. Negative feedback or unresolved conflict
7. Contagious stress carriers (people whose stress, worry, negativity, and anxiety are “contagious”)
We might list a timely addition: 8. Possible cut-backs and lay-offs.

William M. Easum, consultant and author, provided the following list "7 Keys for Quantum Organizations" to describe amazing companies:
1. Trust
2. Common mission
3. Freedom
4. Decision autonomy
5. Decentralization
6. Network
7. Collaboration
This list is as pertinent todayas it was when it was composed.

Frederick Hertzberg, famous psychologist, offers a list of "8 Motivators":
1. Feedback about results
2. Direct access to customer
3. Learning a skill
4. Unique, specialized job
5. Freedom to schedule
6. Resources as needed
7. Communication authority
8. Personal accountability

What an organizational assessment the five lists above create. If bosses consider how employees can have responsible choices and take reasonable control, employees would be better motivated to perform their jobs well.

A final list, Abraham Maslow's "Hierarchy of Human Needs," is worth a mention before closing. The top need is to become the most we can become. The second and third needs suggest the significance of regarding ourselves in a healthy way and in being a part of a supportive group. Toward the bottom of the list are the needs that we require to stay alive and function. Those employees who struggle to maintain rent and mortgages and to provide food for their families usually have little energy left to be enthusiastic and innovative on the job. What can bosses do in the workplace to offer support for struggling employees? Clearly, any encouragement and empowerment that bosses can provide can have a positive affect for the health of the employees and the organization.
1. Self-actualization
2. Esteem
3. Belongingness
4. Safety
5. Survival

Lots to think and talk about in our uncertain economic times.